This European native has become a tenacious farm and garden weed. However, its golden yellow flowers provide nectar for innumerable pollinating insects; its achenes, food for many birds. Much of the plant is edible. Leaves are high in vitamin A, iron, phosphorus, calcium and potassium, and are among the best sources of copper known. Valued for its medicinal properties, the dandelion has been used to stimulate the kidneys and to combat liver disorders, weak digestion, anemia and eczema.